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I'm looking to get involved with a local community gardening co-op or something of that sorts. I enjoy getting to be involved in introducing people to riding bikes, whether that be for fun, or for transportation reasons. Cooking is one of my biggest passions, so I enjoy going to farmers markets witha wide variety of local and diverse fresh vegetables. I imagine cooking is one way I'll look to meet people and develop friendships (when I'm not on the bike that is).

I'd say riding, cooking, involvement/volunteering are things that I seek to do regularly.

But also getting to spend time outdoors, throwing frisbee, layin in the grass or hanging out in a hammock. I'm a simple, take it easy, no need to rush kind of person.

You might check out Old Greenbelt. Safe, leafy, relatively inexpensive apartments as well as the original Depression-WWII housing coop, a good farmers market, and community gardens. Not much nightlife (one theater, one cafe/bar) -- we roll the sidewalks up pretty early. Decently long ride from Takoma Park, but very nice trails.

There's also College Park, right? All of the amenities you would associate with a college town. You can use the trail network to get to work.

Takoma Park has a big farmer's market every Sunday from 10 to 2.

If you are interested in bike-related volunteer opportunities, check out WABA. There are any number of ways you can get involved and it will provide a ready made group of friends with similar interests.

I can't decide if I'm sad or not that the Piratz Bar is gone. I remember going there one night because QH was packed to the brim and they had belly dancers. Part of me wanted to point out their confusion given the Carribean sort of pirate theme, but then I realized I wasn't really sure who were staff and who were customers. I had also heard rumors about the owners having some sort of divorce and the bar being a byproduct so I'm not too surprised it closed down.

Yeah, I can't say it was a great place. 100% unique, but very weird. On the other hand, I can't say I like what it was turned into - "Corporate Grill"? That's like a 180 degree turn from a Pirate themed bar.

Surly - I think the suggestions so far all sound like exactly what you're looking for. From Silver Spring to Takoma Park to College Park to Greenbelt you'll find things like farmers markets and co-ops, some pretty good trails and even some cycle friendly roads. In addition to that each of those 4 places has a metro stop so you'll be able to get around the city to explore everything else quite easily too.

Thanks for all of the great advice, and discussion. I found the perfect place just inside the district on Piney Branch rd. I'll be only two miles from work, and I got a steal of a monthly rent. I'm looking forward to joining the WABA community next month when I make the big move.

Welcome to the area! Wow, a 2 mile commute would be really great! I'm kinda jealous.

Hopefully you will find everything else you need quickly. I think you'll enjoy exploring the area. You're moving at the right time as spring has just arrived. As you read already, when you're not commuting, there are miles and miles of trail to explore and great road rides to explore new areas as well.

From your description, you could be living on the same block that my family and I were on until five years ago. You are in a great neighborhood and I think you will enjoy it a lot. Best wishes and welcome to DC.

Yeah, I can't say it was a great place. 100% unique, but very weird. On the other hand, I can't say I like what it was turned into - "Corporate Grill"? That's like a 180 degree turn from a Pirate themed bar.

Ok, first I need to apologize to SurlyTed because this post has nothing to do with you....... It appears as though after flirting with switching to Corporate Grill, the Piratz Tavern is back! Crazy! I think the owners were very unimpressed with the bar makeover show that paid them a visit and just couldn't sell out like that. I may have to pay them a visit again soon for something rummy.

Thanks for all of the great advice, and discussion. I found the perfect place just inside the district on Piney Branch rd. I'll be only two miles from work, and I got a steal of a monthly rent. I'm looking forward to joining the WABA community next month when I make the big move.

Congrats, that's a good area. You have the Safeway walkable, Ledos Pizza walkable, and downtown Takoma walkable and then you're a quick bike ride from SS, your work and Rock Creek Park (would just hop over to Aspen and then go down Sherrel or Sheridan, whatever it is on the other side of 16th street). Judging by you mentioning a steal on monthly rent, I guess the closing of nearby Walter Reed has helped someone.